Haiti Relief: Cape May

The SS Cape May is a sea barge clipper class (SEABEE) vessel, so that its characteristic cargo is barges, as well as sections of causeway, and other materials used by the Construction Battalions (Seabees) of the U.S. Navy.   The Cape May  is part of the Maritime Administration's Ready Reserve Force.  SEABEEs are militarily useful vessels capable of lifting outsized objects, such as 90-foot causeway sections or 110-foot Coast Guard patrol boats.  Their most notable feature is the 2,000-ton submersible elevator at the stern.

SEABEE ships are unique because of their ability to carry a vast array of military cargo.  SEABEE barges, causeway sections, and lighterage comprise the usual cargo; SEABEE barges can carry bulk and containerized cargo. Each barge has a capacity of 834 long tons.